This chapter reviews the current limitations of CASA in routine clinical andrology and describes a path by which it could become a robust analytical technology that can be employed in accredited expert clinical andrology laboratories. Particular focus is on the need for premarketing validation by manufacturers for CASA-based semen analysis applications, as well as the impact that software differences have on the absolute values reported for sperm kinematics. Without close comparability between CASA systems it will continue to be extremely difficult to establish either decision limits or reference ranges that can be applied clinically for either diagnostic or prognostic purposes.

Provides reference methods for all aspects of a basic semen examination that are structured as standard operating procedures (SOPs) for easy use at the bench. Methods are focussed on objectivity, robustness, standardized reporting, controlling the risk of errors, and minimizing measurement uncertainty. Includes ejaculate physical characteristics, volume and pH, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm vitality, sperm morphology (including seminal cytology), and the simple detection of peroxidase-positive leukocytes in semen.